Welfare assessment of dairy farms in Karnataka

Abstract

This study was undertaken to compare the status of cattle welfare in dairy farms of different sizes and regions, in Karnataka, India. A total of 401 adult crossbred cattle in 60 dairy farms of Karnataka were considered. The mean housing component welfare score of small, medium, large, peri-urban and rural dairy farms, out of total score of 30, was 16.33 ± 0.671, 15.93 ± 0.719, 16.00 ± 0.429, 15.63 ± 0.398 and 16.53 ± 0.577, respectively; with no significant differences between groups. The mean feeding component welfare score of small, medium, large, peri-urban and rural dairy farms, out of total score of 30, was 18.23 ± 0.213, 18.80 ± 0.197, 19.53 ± 0.234, 19.03 ± 0.182 and 18.67 ± 0.670, respectively; Large dairy farms had significantly better scores. The mean animal health welfare score of small, medium, large, peri-urban and rural dairy farms, out of total score of 40, was 22.25 ± 0.801, 20.90 ± 0.839, 21.824 ± 0.206, 20.80 ± 0.592 and 21.97 ± 0.733, respectively; with no significant differences between groups. The overall mean welfare score of small, medium, large, peri-urban and rural dairy farms, out of total score of 100, was 56.80 ± 1.265, 55.63 ± 1.230, 56.53 ± 0.887, 55.47 ± 0.813 and 57.17 ± 1.005, respectively. In the overall rankings, 75% of the dairy farms had Average (40-59) ranking and 25% had Very Good (60-80) ranking. Among small, medium and large dairy farms, the predominant welfare ranking was Average with 70, 70 and 85 percent, respectively. In peri-urban region, 87% of the farms had Average welfare ranking and 13% of the farm had Very Good welfare ranking, while in rural region, 63% of the farms had Average and 37% had Very Good welfare ranking.